Aloha!

Wow! It's been a while since I have 'blogged' if that's the appropriate term. Many times I have written a blog but never seemed to complete it to the point to push the "publish post" button. Today I'm getting the last minute things together for a trip to the mainland for a weekend with the great folks at FBC Portland, TX and then on to see our family for the Christmas holidays. We are blessed to be able to take this trip due to the generous hearts at FBC Portland - we will be encouraging them in their giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and in partnering with Lahaina Baptist in missions. We're also a little sad to leave our LBC Ohana during the holidays. This is our anniversary time of year with the church - three years - and Mele Kalikimaka here in Hawaii. But, we will be spending Christmas with our families, so all is good! I'll try to send updates throughout the trip as we minister and recharge for another great year ahead in '09. Be blessed today and have a fine Aloha Monday.
Aloha -

Not Quite Sure?

If you're like me this morning, you're not quite sure of the direction of the future of our country. Don't misunderstand my point - it's not because of who is elected to the positions of leadership in our country, but because of the division in our country of our people. Many people are polarized to the degree that if their party or candidate is not in office, they can't see anything positive about the future. Not only do they remain negative in their minds, but also in their words to others. It is though the US revolves around either Democrat or Republican and the two have no common middle ground. Our prayers are to be for our leaders regardless of party afiliation, but also for our nation. Join me in prayer that this division will be healed before our next elections and that we can think and vote clearly according to God's choice and not our party's. We are still His people, so remain faithful to pray for our country and her return to God through revival.
Aloha -

Tomorrow is Coming

Many people that I speak with are concerned about the elections and the items that are on the ballots for tomorrow. Many are concerned about who the president will be and how divided the country appears to be and will remain, regardless of who is elected. Many are concerned over the local and state issues and where the money will be allocated for this and that. We have so many decisions that are hanging in the balance, but tomorrow is coming and we'll try to figure it out after tomorrow. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it - God already told me. Don't get too excited because He didn't tell me who would win or how the rail transit system will fare, but He already told me not to worry because He is still in control (Matthew 6:34.) This nation will never find a savior in a president or a political leader or party, but only in Jesus. Our Savior is still the only Redeemer that America can place her hope in. Have a blessed pre-election day - tomorrow is coming, but it's all under control.
Aloha -

My Ministry

Living in Hawaii, I often hear the good-natured, but sarcastic statements about "suffering for Jesus in Maui," usually followed by "Yeah, right!" I get accused of surfing for Jesus more than suffering. Just in case you have ever wondered, let me clear the air on this topic. It is often sinful-feeling to be able to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of a place like this while serving our Lord, but it is still ministry, nonetheless. I enjoy meeting people from around the world on a daily basis and helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. I may speak with millionaires and homeless in the same converation or teach the Bible to the highly educated and illiterate together. I may share Christ with the addicts of drugs and alcohol or the addicts of surfing and laziness at the same time with both of them looking for the Deliverer of their addictions. There are many more examples, but I think you can realize that ministry is whatever God has us doing according to His will in the places where He has placed us. As I go about "ministry" today, I hope God blesses yours, too.
Aloha -

Organization?

I have been working hard at being more organized. I like structure and organization, but I often run without any in my office, especially at the desk. My desk is usually so full of clutter than I can't find a clean space on the top. Recently, I moved an old desk back into my office to help spread the waste, I mean work. Now with the two desks in place, I feel so organized and am prepared to become much more efficient. Yeah, right. But, I like it for now. Just remember when I may be late in posting a new blog that I possibly can't find my keyboard! Have a uncluttered, blessed day - I'm trying to do the same!
Aloha

Monday Morning Quarterback

Usually football fans think they know exactly what must have been done for their team to win the game. These fans that vocalize their opinions are called 'Monday morning quarterbacks' because they are not on the field, but they have it all figured out just in case they were to be called in next game! I watched the Lahainaluna/Baldwin game this Saturday night in which our beloved Lunas ended up one point short of a victory on the scoreboard, but many points ahead in being true winners. I have had the privilege to be on many sport teams of many different levels with many great coaches and talented athletes. Even though I have experienced intense rivalries and high pressure situations all the way to National Championships, I have never seen a team of players give their all for an entire game as I witnessed from this Luna team on Saturday night. I watched young men battle injuries and cramps, fatigue and all of the other trials faced on the field, but they never gave up until the time was out on the clock. I am impressed with the determination of these young men to leave everything they had on the field and not hold anything back. They played with the respect, dignity and class that was expected of them. Regardless of the score, Lahainaluna High School is proud of the team that represented them Saturday. My hat is off to you, Lunas, and I'll keep proudly supporting you until we bring home the state championship trophy his year! Imua!
Aloha -

Oh My!

The day has come - my little girl is 16! Just a few short days ago, she was all of three pounds, twelve ounces in the NICU at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. She came six weeks early because she couldn't wait for her turn in the regular part of the newborn section of the hospital. She had to get out and check things out! She still is that way today. But, she's also still Daddy's Girl. She has grown to be a lovely young lady, just a beautiful as her Mother, yet with some of Dad's good qualities (if you can believe that I have any.) Her days are filled with smiles and joy and friends that text all day and night. On occasion, she may grumble about doing chores or having homework, but is mostly a happy young lady. I know, one day soon, I'll see her go to college, get married, get her first real job and many other facets of life, but for now I'm struggling with today. My little girl is growing up and I pray for God's protection, wisdom and joy to be hers. Happy Birthday, Sis! I love you - Dad
Aloha -

Midweek Already?!?!

Wow - time has a way of zooming sometimes. We have had a great week so far at the Martin household even though we have faced some challenges. Taylor will be 16 tomorrow and Wendy has been working feverishly to make sure that her party goes well. She will be having a combo party with Brandon because he just turned 16 also and they are close friends from church/school. I shouldn't be so amazed that a few days have passed so quickly when I think of how fast the past 16 have gone. I'll share a little more about Tay's big day tomorrow. Get ready - it will be here like a flash!
Aloha -

My Daily Exercise

I'm in the office for just a few moments playing catch-up before I head to the LPGA Kapalua Classic. Yesterday, during the pro-am, I sat at one of my favorite holes, #3, and recorded the scores for the teams as they played through. Today, I'll be walking with a group leaving #1 at 12:20ish, so I'll be getting my exercise while walking the Bay Course. I hope you have a great day and tune into the Golf Channel if you can. Be blessed!
Aloha -

A Quick Break

Over the next few days, I'll be taking some time out of the office. Every January, Dad and I volunteer for the Mercedes-Benz Championships, the first PGA Tour event of the year here at Kapalua's Plantation Course. This year, the LPGA is coming to Kapalua for the inaugural Kapalua LPGA Classic, a tournament that should bring over 100 of the LPGA's best to the Bay Course. Soon after January, I received a letter from the volunteer headquarters that asked if would I be available for the LPGA tourney and I signed up to be a walking scorer - one that walks with a three-some each day and records each shot of each player in the group. It sounds like fun, but I'll find out tomorrow. Keep an eye on the Golf Channel if you can - I might be walking with the winner! Have a blessed week and I'll try to keep everyone updated on who I will be with through my Facebook account.
Aloha -